What if Sasha Cohen skips Worlds?

Michelle Kwan will compete at the Olympics, which is absolutely appropriate, and Emily Hughes will compete at Worlds, which is a great opportunity for her.

Suppose Sasha Cohen decides to skip Worlds this year? If she wins at Torino, she might call it a career, as far as eligible competition is concerned. If that happens, the United States will be represented by a trio of 16-year-olds!

I hope the USFS will keep the team as is and let the young girls earn their spots for themselves and not invite Michelle to compete at Worlds to earn the extra spot (assuming she competes well enough at the Olympics to even warrant inviting her). Now is the time to start promoting the newer skaters and work towards 2010.

I think that barring injury, Sasha will skate at Worlds 2006, regardless of where she places in Turin. Like Joesitz says, she wants a World Title and you have to believe the USFSA will be encouraging her to go so they can secure 3 spots for next year. Especially given that Irina probably will NOT go to Worlds this year, it would be a golden opportunity for Sasha.

Well, if Sasha skips Worlds, then there may be only one or two spots for the Ladies at 2007 Worlds, and maybe just one spot for 2008.

Irina is getting ready to hang up her skates for good, and whether she wins the OGM in Torino or not, she's going to dance that last dance. If Sasha wins the OGM, she will not stick around for Worlds and take the chance of being beaten once again. If Sasha wins an Olympic medal, it could go either way---she could quit right then, or take another chance against Irina. I think it will all depend on whether or not she gets a big offer from SOI. If she does, it's bye-bye Sasha.

It would be a disaster for Sasha to skip Worlds.........we need her there and her probable high placement to secure three spots for next year's Worlds.......whether she wins the Oly gold or not, I'm guessing she'll do the right thing and participate at Worlds..........42